Page 26 of Savoring Christmas
“How about you?”
“No. Not anyone serious. I spent my twenties busting my butt for work, so there wasn’t really much time for a personal life. And like I’ve said before, I’ve had trouble meeting people here. Everyone’s friendly, of course. But most people have friendships that go back years and years. There’s no room for me. Or that’s what it feels like anyway.”
“The cooking class was a great idea, as far as that goes,” Logan said. “Thursday night was so sweet—seeing everyone sharing and getting to know one another. It’s a wonderful group of people.”
“To be perfectly honest, it’s unfolding better than I could have hoped for. It’s given me the lift I needed.”
He wanted to ask her more about that but they had reached town by then. Logan pulled into a spot behind The Moose and soon they were headed inside to the busy restaurant. The hostess, a high school girl named Melissa, also helped out as one of Santa’s elves out at Max’s Christmas Village. She greeted them with a friendly smile. “Hey, Logan. No brothers tonight?”
“No ma’am. I chose a much prettier companion for dinner, as you can see.”
Melissa laughed. “Yes, you have. Do you want to eat or just have a drink at the bar?”
“We’re eating,” Mia said enthusiastically. “I’m starved.”
Logan smiled to himself. The woman loved food. It was kind of adorable. Like everything else about her.
Melissa grabbed two plastic menus and asked them to follow her, leading them to a booth in the back.
“Enjoy your meal,” Melissa said before hurrying off to help another customer waiting at the front.
“Do you come here often?” Mia asked from the other side of the table.
“My brothers and I are frequent visitors, yes, when they’re not too busy with their families.” He unfolded a paper napkin wrapped around silverware and placed it on his lap. “I wasn’t sure where to bring you. There’re not many options here in town. Especially fine dining.”
“That was one of the reasons I thought Sugarville Grove was the perfect place to open a restaurant. Anyway, I love this place.”
“I can’t remember seeing you here before trivia night,” Logan said.
“I don’t eat out much. It’s so expensive. And it’s hard to come up with a reason to go out when I can cook anything in my own restaurant kitchen.”
He instantly felt bad. Because he was comfortable financially, he sometimes forgot that not everyone was as lucky.
Mia flipped open the menu, scanning the options. Her eyebrows shot up.
“Moose Antler Nachos?” She grinned. “Maple-Glazed Salmon? S’mores Skillet?” She looked up at him, eyes dancing with amusement. “These names are hilarious.”
“Yes, whoever came up with the menu seems to think they’re funny too,” Logan said. “Locals love to name things after elements of the community.”
“It shows a pride in where they live. These days everyone’s so cynical or ironic.”
“Yeah, those people clearly don’t live here.”
“I find it refreshing after New York.” She leaned back in the booth, still studying the menu. “What do you like?”
“I love their burgers. But anything you choose will be great. And large. The portions here are a little ridiculous.”
“Good, I can take it home and have it for leftovers.” Mia closed the menu with decision. “I’m getting The Moose Burger with sweet potato fries.”
“Do you want a glass of wine?”
“No, I’m having a good, old-fashioned beer to go with my burger,” she said.
“Well, all right then. I will too.”
The server came by to take their orders. “And could I get one of those local craft beers? Something hoppy?” Mia asked.
“We have a holiday IPA on tap tonight,” the server said. “Kind of bitter but with a little spice.”
